Noun

1. A principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
2. Something regarded as a normative example
3. Prescribed guide for conduct or action
4. (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
5. A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
6. The duration of a monarch's or government's power
7. Dominance or power through legal authority
8. Directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
9. Any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
10. A rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
11. (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
12. Measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths

Verb

1. Exercise authority over; as of nations
2. Decide with authority
3. Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
4. Decide on and make a declaration about
5. Have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
6. Mark or draw with a ruler
7. Keep in check